Albany listeners can now enjoy nonstop holiday music as three Capital Region radio stations have all turned to an all‑Christmas format. Early Sunday morning, Zoey 103.9 made the switch, followed shortly by B95.5 and 98.3 WTRY. The move marks the first time this year that the Albany market hosts three stations dedicated entirely to seasonal songs.
Stations join the holiday tradition
Zoey 103.9, which previously aired a contemporary hits format, flipped to Christmas music at dawn on Sunday. B95.5 and 98.3 WTRY are no strangers to the seasonal switch; both have adopted an all‑Christmas lineup in prior years. Zoey’s recent transition is its first full‑time holiday programming since a format change a few years ago.
Industry context
According to the radio‑industry monitoring site RadioInsight.com, Albany now leads the nation’s markets in the number of stations offering a 24/7 Christmas playlist. While many larger markets feature one or two holiday stations, the Capital Region’s trio sets a new local benchmark.
What listeners can expect
Fans of classic carols, modern pop‑holiday hits and everything in between will find a steady stream of festive tunes on the three frequencies. Advertisers have also been given a unique opportunity to reach holiday shoppers and commuters with seasonal messaging throughout the day.
Community impact
Local businesses often rely on the holiday music surge to boost in‑store sales and create a cheerful atmosphere for customers. The simultaneous rollout across three stations amplifies that effect, providing a unified soundtrack for the region’s shopping districts, schools and family gatherings.
Looking ahead
The all‑Christmas format typically runs through the end of the year, after which stations revert to their regular programming. Listeners who prefer a break from the holiday sound can still find non‑seasonal content on other local stations or streaming services.
For now, Albany residents can settle in with their favorite mugs of cocoa and let the festive melodies fill the air, knowing their market is leading the nation in holiday spirit on the dial.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
